Solid state metathesis reactions as a conceptual tool in the synthesis of new materials

Abstract

Solid state metathesis reactions can be used in the syntheses of inorganic solids and for strategic design of novel, eventually thermally labile materials. An explorative study of solid state metathesis reactions is presented for a number of examples, including syntheses of nitridoborates, carbodiimides, tetracyanoborates, tetracyanamidosilicates, carbon-nitride materials, and a number of other exciting compounds. This unique type of reaction is very efficient because it uses the intrinsic energy of reaction partners being involved. Desired compositions are achieved by appropriate starting materials and their relative amounts being combined into a solid state metathesis reaction. Reactions can be controlled through the heating-up procedure and by using a reactive flux, which may lower the ignition temperature of a reaction mixture and promote crystal growth of products.